HUNDREDS of villagers face weeks of upheaval after Cronton Post Office was closed for 'essential maintenance' following an armed robbery last Tuesday.

The move comes after the shop was held up by a gang which left terrified staff and onlookers fearing for their lives.

But now the busy village post office has been forced to close for 'a couple of weeks' after masked gunmen burst into the premises and escaped with a cash box - which was later dumped in the road.

Residents claim that hundreds of residents and some businesses in the area will be affected.

One villager said: 'A lot of pensioners who can't get to the main super-markets in Widnes use the post office to get their basics.

'They all love the chat and service they get as it's all really friendly and some people have known the staff for years and it's like a family.'

In another incident in January a gang escaped with cash after using a battering ram to smash security screens.

A spokeswoman for the Post Office said: 'Following a robbery at the branch on August 15, Cronton Post Office is expected to remain closed for a couple of weeks while essential maintenance is carried out.

'We apologise to customers for this unavoidable break in service and a notice will be displayed in the branch advising of the nearest alternative post offices which can be used.'